Florida Representatives Speak Out @ Kidnappings

6/20/2014

Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Sha'er and Naftali Frankel

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Patrick Murphy – District 18

Statement:

“I stand in solidarity with Israel in strongly condemning the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel, and Eyal Yifrach from the West Bank last week and call for their immediate release. I hope that these boys are swiftly and safely returned to their families, who my thoughts and prayers are with during this most difficult time. We must make sure that those found responsible are held accountable for such deplorable actions.

“With serious concerns regarding Hamas’ involvement in this attack, it once again speaks to the troublesome inclusion of this terrorist group in the PA’s unity government.Given that Hamas has continually refused to recognize the existence of the State of Israel, to reject violence, and to accept the prior Israeli-Palestinian agreement as well as continuing to engage in terrorist attacks included kidnappings, their inclusion is a substantial step backwards in the quest for a two-state solution and a lasting peace.”

Facebook:

I strongly condemn the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers #EyalGiladNaftali from the West Bank last week, praying for their swift & safe return to their families. http://on.fb.me/SXDLLd

My thoughts and prayers are with Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Sha’er, Naftali Frenkel, and their families at this most difficult time. Those individuals who kidnapped these innocent teens should be held accountable for their cowardly actions. Acts of terror like this have no place in our society. I stand in support of Israel as they work to bring these brave young people home safely. #EyalGiladNaftali #BringBackOurBoyshttp://on.fb.me/SXDgRp

Twitter:

Thoughts & prayers are with the families of th e three teens kidnapped in Israel. #EyalGiladNaftali #BringBackOurBoys http://bit.ly/1rg1XVk

Press Release:

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement on the kidnapping of three Israeli students in the West Bank:

“My thoughts and prayers are with Eyal Yifrah, Giald Sha’er, Naftali Frenkel, and their families at this most difficult time.Those individuals who kidnapped these innocent teens should be held accountable for their cowardly actions.Acts of terror like this have no place in our society. I stand in support of Israel as they work to bring these brave young people home safely.” http://1.usa.gov/1kVbHz9

Congressman Ted Deutch – District 21

Facebook:

Today someone told me that he "feels bad" for the three kidnapped Israeli teenagers, but "there is so much in the world to worry about." Well, more than 160,000 people have been killed in Syria, ISIS has slaughtered large groups of Iraqis, and we still yearn for the return of more than 200 Nigerian school girls. If human rights mean anything, the violation of human rights must matter to us - in these three instances and in every instance - everywhere. We simply cannot be silent.

That is precisely why every human rights activist in the world must join in condemning the terrorists who kidnapped these three teenagers and must call for their immediate release. These Israeli boys - Eyal, Gilad and Naftali - could be your sons or your brothers. Because they could be your boys, they must become our boys, and we cannot be silent.

I was privileged to participate in a vigil this evening outside the Israeli Embassy. The message was as simple as the crowd was resolute: bring back our boys! http://on.fb.me/1ps2DHK

Twitter:

If you care about human rights, these are your boys, too! #BringBackOurBoys #EyalGiladNaftali @RepEliotEngel pic.twitter.com/m85rVnvP6N http://bit.ly/1lGEoEi

Debbie Wasserman Schultz – District 23

Facebook:

As a mother of teenagers, my heart goes out to the families of the children who were kidnapped while coming home from school. I join all of Israel in praying for their safe and speedy return.

Weston, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement today after three Israeli teenagers were kidnapped over the weekend:

"As a mother of teenagers, my heart goes out to the families of the children who were kidnapped while coming home from school. I join all of Israel in praying for their safe and speedy return. If indeed Hamas is responsible for this heinous act, it would be very much in line with their history as a terrorist organization. I condemn this cowardly act in the strongest terms possible, and I join in calling for those responsible to be held fully accountable for their crimes." http://1.usa.gov/1p8GWwq

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart – District 25

Twitter:

Thinking of the families of the three teens kidnapped in Israel. Praying for their immediate return #EyalGiladNaftali http://bit.ly/1rfVf1L

Facebook:

Thinking of the families of the three teens kidnapped in Israel. Praying for their immediate return #EyalGiladNaftali http://on.fb.me/1stdoNT

Congressman Joe Garcia – District 26

Press Release:

As the father of a teenager, my heart goes out to the parents of Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel, and Eyal Yifrach.I pray for their safe return and hope those responsible are brought to justice.

The possibility that Hamas is involved in these kidnappings underscores the serious concerns over their role in the new Palestinian government.Hamas is a terrorist organization whose leaders advocate the destruction of the state of Israel.This is not an organization that can be trusted to govern, and their inclusion puts at risk final status negotiations and any hope for lasting peace and security in the region.

My thoughts are with the families and friends of these boys during this incredibly difficult time.No one should ever have to fear for the life of someone so young.

My thoughts r w kidnapped #Israeli teens #EyalGiladNaftali + their families. They must be returned NOW + their abductors held accountable. http://bit.ly/1rfSAFi

Press Release:

As Israel Steps Up Search Efforts for Kidnapped Israeli Teens, Ros-Lehtinen Offers Support and Calls for Their Immediate Return

“There can be no justification for this abduction, yet sadly this is the modus operandi of several of the known terrorist groups in the region”

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement regarding the June 12, 2014 abduction of three Israeli teens and the ongoing efforts to return them safely to their homes. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“My thoughts remain with Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel and Eyal Yifrach, and my heart goes out to their friends and family in this difficult and trying time. I join the people of Israel in condemning this act and in calling for the swift and safe return of these three teenagers. I believe the Israeli government is doing everything it can, and I sincerely hope these young boys will soon be reunited with their families.

There can be no justification for this abduction, yet sadly this is the modus operandi of several of the known terrorist groups in the region. Those who are found to be responsible for this atrocious act must be held accountable, and if in fact Hamas is responsible for the kidnapping of Gilad, Maftali and Eyal, the Administration must move to quickly condemn the terrorist group, sever all ties with Hamas and reassess its commitment to the Hamas-backed interim government.”http://1.usa.gov/1oBHFIP